So…. we’ve all seen it, read about it… and probably dreamt about it! But – with a pricing leak on the new Land Cruiser Prado J250 this week – you can now figure out if you’d be driving it! Averaging a price jump of about R120k, the new model is reported to be priced between R1 296 300 and R1 472 600 (the current gen Prado is still being sold between R1 168 400 and R1 376 400).
The question, of course, is: will it be justified?
Scheduled to hit local shores in July 2024 the new-generation Prado offers more car for your buck as it will be 95mm longer and wider and 10mm taller with confirmed dimensions being 4,920mm long, 1,988mm wide and 1,860mm tall. Its 2,850mm wheelbase is 60mm longer than before, and now matches the length of the Land Cruiser 300.
Styling-wise, it adopts a new design direction, fusing traditional and contemporary styling cues and employing horizontal lines inspired by Land Cruisers of yesteryear to deliver on the theme of functional beauty. The front end is based around a rectangular grille and tri-beam headlights, with a low-set front cowl to improve forward visibility.
Muscular wheel arches and strong horizontal lines provide a sense of strength, with a low beltline that further improves visibility for occupants. At the rear, the Prado features a vertically oriented tailgate and simple tail-light signature to complement the front end, with silver lower bumpers at both the front and rear of the vehicle.
The Prado now shares its underpinnings with the Land Cruiser 300, riding on the rugged and sophisticated TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis which is 50% more rigid than the current-generation Prado, helping to increase overall vehicle rigidity by 30%.
Wheel articulation is improved with Toyota’s brand-new stabilizer-bar control system which allows the front stabiliser bar to be disconnected for excellent wheel articulation, while enhanced functionality for the multi-terrain select and multi-terrain monitor systems help the so-called “Prince of Africa” go even further off-road.
The adoption of electric power steering provides a crisper steering feel and enhanced low-speed manoeuvrability on-road, maximises control when off-roading, and allows compatibility with active safety systems such as lane trace assist. Inside, the Prado employs a clean, stylish and functional interior design with dual digital screens for the instrument cluster and multimedia system, and an intuitive layout for the switches that group basic functions together.
While the 7-seater will certainly remain a top seller for Toyota and continue to cement its position in this market segment, we will see a smaller line-up. Currently this is an exclusively diesel range, with all derivatives employing the Japanese firm’s familiar 2.8-litreGD-6 engine. In J250-series Prado form, Toyota’s well-known 1GD-FTV motor again delivers 150kW and 500Nm to all 4 corners, though switches from the outgoing model’s 6-speed automatic transmission to a more modern 8-speed self-shifting gearbox.
Notably, the current line-up excludes a petrol version – but this may change later as we are seeing the 2.4 hybrid (based on the newly launched 4Runner) being available in the USA.
For now, though, there will only be four options to choose from in the local Land Cruiser Prado line-up:
*Prado 2.8 GD TX: The model will be the entry point in this line up, but it is now priced at R1 296 300 (an increase of just under R130 000).
*Prado 2.8 GD VX-R: Priced from R1 448 900, this grade adds items such as a moonroof, a cooler box, wireless smartphone charging and adaptive high-beam headlamps.
*Prado 2.8 VX-R First Edition: Available in limited numbers, this model boasts two versions – one in monotone form and the other in a bi-tone finish. Each based on the VX-R specification, First Edition models will pay homage to the original Prado and is easily distinguished by its circular headlamps. The monotone is priced from R1 462 400, while the bi-tone model starts at R1 472 600 (a premium of R10 200).
How much does the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado cost in SA?
• Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD TX – R1 296 300
• Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD VX-R – R1 448 900
• Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD VX-R First Edition – R1 462 400
• Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD VX-R First Edition Bi-Tone – R1 472 600
**The new Prado will ship standard with Toyota’s 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan
